Germany: Andechs Abbey Brewery

Andechs Abbey: Andechs, Germany

Visible for miles atop Holy Mountain above the eastern bank of Ammer Lake, Andechs Monastery is the oldest pilgrimage church in Bavaria and since 1850, an affiliate of the Benedictine monastery of St. Boniface in Munich.

The Benedictines have supervised the pilgrimage since 1455, living according to the Rule of St. Benedict, epitomized by the motto, "ora et labora" (pray and work). At Holy Mountain, the monastic community is involved with the religious welfare of the pilgrims and the pastoral care of the neighboring communities, as well as the management of business enterprises, the largest of which is their brewery.